7. The production of grapes increased from 10 million pounds in 2010 to 10.8 million… more

As the world’s population swells to the seven billion mark, farms across Missouri are putting their production cycles into high gear to meet growing appetites.

As reporter Angela Mueller explains in her story coming out tomorrow, Missouri’s agricultural exports have increased $2 billion last year, up 32 percent from $1.46 billion in 2009. The land to grow crops like soybeans, wheat and livestock also has become more valuable, with Missouri farmland valued at $2,350 per acre in 2010, up from $2,200 per acre in 2009.

7. The production of grapes increased from 10 million pounds in 2010 to 10.8 million… more

Missouri’s economy receives close to $12 billion from the agricultural sector, which encompasses both local farmers and larger companies like Monsanto and Novus International. Agricultural exports provide 12 percent or $173 billion of St. Louis’ economic output.

Bob Garino, acting director for the USDA-NAS Missouri Field Office, said 3.3 million acres of corn, the state’s No. 1 export, were planted in Missouri and about 3.12 million of that was harvested. He said one of the reasons why corn is the top export has to do with its versatility. Corn is one of the main ingredients in ethanol and is used to feed livestock in growing countries like China, where a growing middle class is looking to add more meats to its diet, Garino said.

Missouri experienced a slight drought this summer. Professors at the University of Missouri's College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) saw precipitation drop 2.3 inches, or 72 percent below the normal rainfall in southwest Missouri.

According to the professors, approximately 16 to 18 inches of rainfall, or the equivalent of more than 13 feet of snow, is needed to ensure a successful planting season come spring. Soybeans and winter wheat planted late in the year could see lower yields if dry conditions continue, they said.

While Georgia and Florida are known for their peach and grapefruit production, Garino said Missouri doesn’t have a distinct crop, but rather has a diverse output. Click on the slideshow above to view Missouri’s top agricultural exports.